“Character is destiny.” 

While the above quote feels like something the Buddha might have said, it was actually articulated by the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus. What is character? Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines character as “a composite of good moral qualities typically of moral excellence and firmness blended with resolution, self-discipline, high ethics, force, and judgment.”

If that’s character, then that’s what we too need to develop!

Character clearly rises above belief systems. For instance, it could well be what is referred to as the “good men and good women” we read of in the Amitabha Sutra.

With character, we will be honorable, disciplined, diligent. And wise. We will firmly set ourselves on a path that far surpasses the ones where we all too often meander habitually along—the path of self-centeredness and personal convenience.

With character, we will determine our destiny, a better future.

Not just for us, but for all those we care about, have cared about, and will care about in the future as well. 

In all endeavors, seek to avoid mistakes . . . (Click image for video)

At the heart of 

prejudice, condescension, and rage

lies fear. 

And mind-numbing ignorance. The strutting bully, the cantankerous bigot, and the belittling snob may all appear to be confident and strong, but the reality is very different. Under their blustering and seeming conviction lies fear.

For some, it is the fear that they will lose their tentative hold on what already seems to be slipping away. For others, fear that the day of absolute loss is very near.

Under all that aggressive demeanor and the self-righteous attitude lies ignorance. Ignorance of how the person obtained the perks and profits he enjoys. Of how people ended up with just a little bit more than those they look down upon, those they feel threatened by.

Those whose hearts are strangled by such fear do not realize that the good things in their lives come from helping others in past lifetimes, not by being cleverer in the current one. They do not know that they’re laying the groundwork for deprivation and anguish in their own future.